Slide Processing Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

A basket processing apparatus that includes a basket storage portion in a form of a horizontal load rail. A plurality of slide storage baskets can be located in series on the rail. Each basket is ‘side loading’ and the side loading aperture of each basket can be selectively covered by a slide retaining bar. When the baskets are placed on the load rail, the basket can be moved along the horizontal rail by a basket moving means. The arrangement of the rail and the basket moving means is such that the baskets can be pushed together and move as a ‘train’. Baskets moved to the pick-up end of the rail can then be removed from the rail and processed. A vertical lift mechanism can be used to remove the basket and transport it to a processing device, for example a coverslipper.

The present invention is concerned with microscope slide processingapparatus and methods. In particular, the present invention relates tocoverslipping apparatus as well as apparatus and methods for thehandling of coverslips and. slides.

The present invention has a number of aspects, which address differentdrawbacks that the present inventors have identified with existing slidehandling and processing apparatus and methods. Some or all of theoptional and preferred features of each of the aspects can apply to someor all of the other aspects.

As used herein, the term “slide” means a slide onto which a specimen,for example a pathology specimen can be mounted. Such slides are alsoknown as microscope slides. Where reference is made to the sides or endsof a slide, this is intended as a reference to the longer sides orshorter sides of a rectangular slide respectively.

Furthermore, for ease of subsequent description the followingdefinitions and explanations will use apparently absolute orientationssuch as “up”, “down”, “forward”, “backward”, “above” and “below” andanalogous terms, for example with reference to the movement of acoverslip. However the descriptions concerned will apply equally toembodiments in other absolute orientations unless the context clearlyrequires otherwise.

Conventionally, when a plurality of slides is to be processed by aconventional coverslipper, stainer or other types of slide processingapparatus, they are placed in a slide storage basket. Typically suchbaskets hold several tens of slides. Known baskets are substantiallyrectangular in cross section to accommodate the rectangular slides.Known baskets typically support a slide along its sides and the slide isloaded and unloaded via an aperture in the basket corresponding to anend of the slide. Thus, conventional baskets provide an end loadingarrangement.

Typically, a basket containing a plurality of slides is placed by a userin the slide processing apparatus and the basket and/or the individualslides are processed. The baskets are oriented so that the slides arevertical. For example, the basket of slides is introduced in itsentirety into a staining solution or the slides are individually removedfrom the end of the basket, rotated, a coverslip applied to each one,and then rotated and returned to the basket. When all of the slides inthe basket have been processed, the user removes the basket from theapparatus and replaces it with a new one.

In another example of a known slide processing apparatus, two basketscan be stored in the apparatus and processed sequentially. The basketsare located in a vertical storage chute and the processing apparatusremoves baskets from the bottom of the chute. Again, slides are heldvertically within the basket are removed from the end of the basket,rotated, coverslipped, rotated again and returned to the basket.

The present inventors have noted that not only are existing arrangementsinefficient in terms of use of space, but they are also inefficientbecause of the requirement to rotate the slides.

The present invention addresses these drawbacks. At its most general,the present invention proposes that a slide processing apparatus isprovided with a basket storage buffer that stores a plurality of basketssuch that the baskets can be moved along the basket storage buffer in adirection that is substantially the same as the direction in whichslides are loaded and unloaded from the basket. This means that lesshandling of the basket is required because the slides are easilyaccessible by the processing apparatus. It also represents an efficientuse of space compared to known arrangements.

In an alternative or additional proposal, a basket processing apparatusis provided with a horizontal basket storage portion for storing aplurality of baskets. In a refinement of either or both of theseproposals, the baskets are side loading baskets and the basket storagebuffer stores the baskets so that the slides are horizontal.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a basket processingapparatus for use in a slide processing apparatus, said basketprocessing apparatus comprising a basket storage portion for storing aplurality of baskets, each basket being capable of storing a pluralityof slides and having an aperture through which slides are unloaded in anunloading direction, and a basket moving means for moving the pluralityof baskets along the basket storage portion in the unloading direction.

An advantage of this arrangement is that further manipulation of thebaskets can be reduced or minimised. Preferably the baskets can beremoved from an end of the basket storage portion and a slide unloadedfrom a basket by a slide retrieval mechanism without having to realignthe basket or the slide.

Suitably in use the basket moving means moves the plurality of basketssimultaneously. Preferably the baskets are moved as a “train” along thebasket storage portion.

Preferably the basket storage portion is horizontal and the basketmoving means is adapted to move baskets horizontally along the basketstorage portion.

In use, the baskets are preferably aligned on the basket storage portionso that the slides within the baskets are horizontal. In this way, theslides can be unloaded from a basket and coverslipped without having torotate the slide.

Preferably the baskets are side loading baskets (i.e. slides can beloaded and unloaded via the side of the basket).

Suitably the basket storage portion comprises a rail to which basketscan be attached and moved along by the basket moving means.

Preferably the basket moving means includes a basket pusher that engageswith the baskets to move them along the basket storage portion.Preferably the basket moving means includes a belt for driving thebasket pusher.

Suitably the basket processing apparatus includes a lift mechanism forlifting a basket from the basket storage portion. Suitably the liftmechanism is for lifting the basket substantially vertically from thebasket storage portion.

Suitably the basket processing apparatus includes two basket storageportions and one of the basket support portions is for storing processedbaskets.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a basket processingapparatus comprising a horizontal basket storage portion for storing aplurality of baskets.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus that includes a basket processing apparatus according to thefirst aspect. Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises acoverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a basket for storinga plurality of slides, wherein the basket includes a connector portionfor connecting the basket to a basket storage portion as defined above.

Suitably the basket storage portion includes a rail and the connectorportion includes a rebate for receiving the rail. Preferably theconnector portion provides a latched or snap-fit connection. Suitablythe connector portion is adapted to receive the rail such that thebasket is constrained to move along the rail. In this way the basket canonly be removed from the rail or added to the rail by sliding it ontothe end of the rail.

Preferably the connector portion is C-shaped, suitably with inturned endportions, so as to retain the basket on the rail and prevent the basketfrom being removed from the rail other than by sliding it along therail.

Suitably the basket processing apparatus of the first aspect includes atleast one, preferably more than one, basket as defined herein.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofprocessing baskets in a basket processing system, wherein the methodincludes storing a plurality of baskets on a basket storage portion, thebasket having an aperture through which slides are unloaded in anunloading direction, and moving the said plurality of baskets along thebasket storage portion in the unloading direction.

Suitably, the basket remains attached to the basket storage portion asit is moved along. Preferably it is transferred to the next mechanism inthe same direction of movement.

Preferably the method includes processing the baskets and storing aplurality of the processed baskets on a second basket storage portion.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofprocessing baskets in a basket processing system, wherein the methodincludes storing a plurality of baskets on a horizontal basket storageportion. Suitably the baskets are stored on the basket storage portionso that the slides are horizontal. Preferably the baskets are movedhorizontally along the basket storage portion.

As noted above, known baskets are end loading, i.e. slides are loadedand unloaded in a direction parallel to the sides of the slide. Thepresent inventors have noted that this arrangement means that the slidesare supported along their sides in the basket. This typically means thatthere is a significant contact area between the slide and the basket.This can cause the slide to “stick” to the basket, particularly afterthe slide has been coverslipped, in which case mountant or solvent mayhave spilled onto the basket.

At its most general, this aspect of the present invention proposes thata basket should be side loading rather than end loading. Also that thebasket should be provided with means for selectively preventing slidesfrom being loaded or unloaded during processing.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a side loadingbasket for use in a coverslipper comprising an aperture through whichslides can be loaded and unloaded, and a slide retaining member forselectively covering at least part of the aperture.

With this arrangement, the slides can be supported at their ends. Inother words there is no need for support along the sides of the slide.This means that the contact area between the slide and the basket can bereduced, thereby preferably reducing the chance of the slide sticking tothe basket.

In preferred embodiments a slide can be loaded into the basket throughthe aperture in a direction parallel to the ends of the slide.

In other words, it is preferred that the basket is adapted so thatslides can be loaded sideways, i.e. the side of the slide (the longerside of a rectangular slide) is the leading edge of the slide as it isinserted into the basket.

Preferred embodiments also include the feature of the basket having aslide retaining Member that can selectively cover at least part of theaperture. Preferably this is achieved by moving the slide retainingmember in a direction parallel to the plane of the slides.

Preferably the slide retaining member is in a sliding arrangement withrespect to the aperture. Preferably the sliding direction is parallel tothe sides of the slide.

Suitably the basket includes guide means for engaging the slideretaining member, for example respective end portions of the slideretaining member. In preferred embodiments the guide means areassociated with an upper portion of the basket, more preferably bothupper and lower portions of the basket. The guide means can comprise arail, preferably two rails, one on each of upper and lower portions ofthe basket. The guide means are preferably integral with the basket.

Alternatively or additionally, the slide retaining member is connectedpivotally to the rest of the basket. For example, preferably the slideretaining member is hinged with respect to the rest of the basket.

Suitably the basket includes a fixed slide retaining structure locatedopposite the aperture. This preferably stops slides from falling out ofthat side of the basket.

Preferably the basket includes a support structure for supporting bothends of a slide. Preferably the support structure comprises ledges.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus including a basket as defined above. Preferably the slideprocessing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use in a slideprocessing apparatus of a basket as defined above. Preferably the slideprocessing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

As is known, coverslipping equipment consists of a considerable numberof moving mechanisms that manipulate coverslips and microscope slides.For adequate operator safety it is necessary to enclose the moving partsbehind guards or covers.

Furthermore, the slides are typically kept under liquids (for exampleXylene) to prevent the specimen on the slide from drying out. Operatorstypically wear gloves for protection against the effects of thechemicals used and this can hinder the easy use of some types ofcontrols such as buttons and switches. The use of touchscreens isundesirable as the chemicals can leave residue marks across the screenand the touch position accuracy is degraded by the wearing of gloves.

In addressing this problem, the present invention proposes that thesafety guard or cover is integrated with a start or activation switch sothat coverslipping can be initiated when the guard or cover is closed.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus having a slide processing mechanism and a cover, the coverbeing moveable between an open position which provides access to theslide processing mechanism and a closed position which does not provideaccess to the slide processing mechanism, wherein the slide processingmechanism is activated by moving the cover into the closed position.

This arrangement means that the user does not have to depress anyswitches or manipulate any controls in order to start processing of theslides.

Suitably the slide processing apparatus includes cover control means fordetecting the cover when it is in the closed position and activating theslide processing mechanism.

Preferably the cover control means includes a detector for detectingwhether a basket is associated with the slide processing mechanism and,if a basket is detected, the cover control means activates the slideprocessing mechanism. Suitably the slide processing mechanism includes abasket storage portion as defined above and the cover control meansdetects whether a basket is located on the basket storage portion.

Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofoperating a slide processing apparatus comprising a slide processingmechanism and a cover that is moveable between an open position whichprovides access to the slide processing mechanism and a closed positionwhich does not provide access to the slide processing mechanism, whereinthe method includes activating the slide processing mechanism by movingthe cover into the closed position.

Preferably the method includes the step of detecting whether a basket isassociated with the slide processing mechanism and, if a basket isdetected, activating the slide processing mechanism.

In a further proposal, at its most general, the present inventionproposes that a guard or cover should be held in a closed positionwhilst a slide processing mechanism is in operation. This use of aninterlock whose operation is linked to the status of the slideprocessing mechanism preferably improves operator safety.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus comprising a slide processing mechanism and a cover, the coverbeing moveable between an open position which provides access to theslide processing mechanism and a closed position which does not provideaccess to the slide processing mechanism, wherein the slide processingapparatus includes a locking means that is activated by operation of theslide processing mechanism to prevent the cover being moved from aclosed position during operation of the slide processing mechanism.

Preferably the slide processing apparatus includes locking control meansfor detecting whether the slide processing mechanism is in operation.Suitably the slide processing mechanism comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofoperating a slide processing apparatus comprising a slide processingmechanism and a cover, the cover being moveable between an open positionwhich provides access to the slide processing mechanism and a closedposition which does not provide access to the slide processingmechanism, the method including detecting operation of the slideprocessing mechanism and retaining the cover in a closed position duringoperation of the slide processing mechanism.

A further drawback identified by the present inventors is that a givenbasket is compatible only with a single type of basket processingapparatus or slide processing apparatus. For example, slides are loadedinto a basket that is compatible with a particular stainer, the slidesare stained but the slides then need to be transferred to a secondbasket so that they can be processed by a coverslipper. This is becausethe stainer and coverslipper have incompatible basket connections.

In addressing these problems, the present invention proposes that abasket should be provided with two different connectors so that it canbe compatible with two basket or slide processing apparatuses.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a basket for storinga plurality of slides, the basket having a first connecting means forconnecting the basket to a basket processing apparatus, and a secondconnecting means for connecting the basket to a basket transfermechanism of a slide processing apparatus such that the basket can beprocessed by the basket processing apparatus and by the slide processingapparatus.

Preferably the first connecting means includes a frame member thatdefines an aperture for receiving a basket engaging member associatedwith the basket processing apparatus.

Suitably the frame member is continuous and the aperture is enclosed bythe frame member. Preferably this arrangement forms an “eye” connector(the basket engaging member being insertable through the “eye” so thatthe basket can be held or mounted on the basket engaging member).

Alternatively the frame member is not continuous and the aperture ispartially enclosed by the frame member. Preferably the frame membercomprises a pair of arms with opposing inturned portions.

Preferably the first connecting means comprises a hook portion.Preferably the hook portion includes a notched member, which notch isfor cooperating with a basket engaging member associated with the basketprocessing apparatus.

Preferably the second connecting means comprises a connector portion asdefined above for engagement with a basket storage portion.

Suitably the basket processing apparatus comprises a stainer. Suitablythe slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a set of baskets,each of the baskets being as defined above, wherein at least two basketshave different first connecting means and the second connecting means ofeach of the baskets is the same.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a basket processingapparatus including a basket as defined above. Preferably the basketprocessing apparatus comprises a stainer.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus including a basket as defined above. Preferably the slideprocessing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use of a basketas defined above in a basket processing apparatus. Preferably the basketprocessing apparatus comprises a stainer.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use of a basketas defined above in a slide processing apparatus.

Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofprocessing a basket, the method including connecting the basket to abasket processing apparatus, processing the basket, connecting thebasket to a slide processing apparatus and processing the slides.

Typically the basket will be connected to the slide processing apparatusmanually, i.e. a user will move the basket from the basket processingapparatus (e.g. stainer) to the slide processing apparatus (e.g.coverslipper). Suitably the basket is as defined above.

The present inventors have noted that in order to coverslip slides in agiven basket it is necessary to remove each slide in turn, apply thecoverslip and return the slide back in to the basket. Removing slidesquickly and accurately from the basket one at a time requires knowledgeof a) if there is a slide there and b) its exact location in respect tothe gripping device which pulls out the slide. This can be a challengingrequirement and errors in alignment of the slide or gripping device cancause damage to a slide and even loss of samples.

At its most general, the present invention proposes that image of theslide and/or gripping device can be obtained and that image processed toidentify a property of the slide, for example the position of the slide.Thus, using images from e.g. a camera, the detection of basket type canbe automated, making for quicker processing.

By using an image from an image generating means (e.g. a camera) todetect gripper/slide features, rapid calculation of position informationcan be achieved as well as a reduction in stoppages and down time due tomissing, damaged or misaligned slides.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide detector fordetecting at least one property of a slide, the slide detectorcomprising an image generating means for generating an image of theslide, and image processing means for identifying the at least oneproperty of the slide based on the generated image.

Preferably the slide detector is for use in a slide processingapparatus. Suitably the slide processing apparatus comprises acoverslipper.

Preferably the at least one property of the slide comprises the positionof the slide with respect to a slide processing mechanism.

Preferably the image processing means is configured to identify at leastone edge of the slide. Suitably the image processing means is configuredto make a plurality of measurements from the generated image so as toidentify the edge.

Preferably the slide processing mechanism includes a slide gripper andthe slide detector detects the position of the slide with respect toslide gripper.

Preferably the image generating means is configured to generate an imageof the slide gripper. Preferably the image processing means isconfigured to identify at least one edge of the slide gripper.

Preferably the image generating means comprises a camera. Alternativelyor additionally the image generating means comprises a linear sensorarray. Alternatively or additionally, the image generating meanscomprises a charge coupled device.

Preferably the image generating means can detect one or both of lightintensity and colour.

Preferably the image processing means includes a processor. Preferablythe image processing means includes software. Conventional imageprocessing techniques and algorithms can be used.

Preferably the image processing means is configured to identify thealignment of a slide with respect to a basket in which the slide islocated. Preferably the image processing means is adapted to identifywhether the slide has a predetermined alignment.

Preferably the slide detector is configured to identify whether a slideis present in a slot of a basket in which the slide is located. Suitablythe image generating means is configured to generate an image of atleast one of the slots of the basket and the image processing means isconfigured to measure the colour or intensity gradient of the part ofthe image corresponding to the slot.

Preferably the image processing means is configured to identify thethickness of a slide.

Preferably the slide detector is configured to generate a plurality ofimages of the slide so that the at least one property of the slide canbe detected as a function of time.

Preferably the slide detector is associated with a slide processingapparatus comprising a slide processing mechanism, and the slideprocessing mechanism is moveable with respect to the slide in responseto the detected at least one property of the slide.

Preferably the at least one property of the slide is the position of theslide with respect to the slide processing mechanism.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus including a slide detector as defined above. Suitably theslide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofdetecting at least one property of a slide, the method includinggenerating an image of the slide and processing the image to detect theat least one property.

Preferably the at least one property is the position, of the slide withrespect to a slide processing mechanism.

Preferably the method includes the step of moving the slide with respectto the slide processing mechanism in response to the detected slideposition.

Preferably the detection of the slide position is repeated duringmovement of the slide. Suitably the detected slide position is then usedto direct subsequent movement of the slide and/or slide processingmechanism.

Preferably the step of generating an image includes detecting one orboth of light intensity and colour.

Preferably the method includes the step of averaging a plurality ofvalues from the generated image.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use of an imagegenerating means and an image processing means to detect at least oneproperty of a slide.

Preferably the slide is located within a slide processing apparatus.Suitably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

The present inventors have noted that the advantages of using an imagegenerating means and an image processor to identify properties of aslide such as the position of the slide also apply to the identificationof properties associated with a basket.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides abasket detecting device for detecting at least one property of a basketfor storing slides in a slide processing apparatus, the basket detectingdevice comprising an image generating means for generating an image ofat least part of the basket, and image processing means for identifyingthe at least one property of the basket based on the generated image.

The preferred features relating to the image generating means and theimage processing means described above in relation to the slidedetecting device can also apply to the basket detecting device.

Preferably the image processing means is configured to identify astructural feature of the basket. Suitably the structural feature of thebasket comprises a slide retaining member as defined above.

Suitably the image processing means identifies the colour of thestructural feature. Alternatively or additionally, the image processingmeans identifies the shape of the structural feature. Alternatively oradditionally the image processing means identifies the size of thestructural feature.

Preferably the basket detecting device includes a basket propertylook-up means for retrieving predetermined basket property informationin response to the detected at least one property. For example, thebasket property information includes basket processing information.Thus, a user can provide a processing protocol that is associated with aparticular basket or basket type.

In a related aspect the present invention provides a method of detectingat least one property of a basket for storing slides in a slideprocessing apparatus, the method including generating an image of atleast part of the basket and processing the image to identify the atleast one property of the basket based on the generated image.

Suitably the at least one property includes the type of basket.

Preferably the method includes processing the basket based on thedetected at least one property.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use in a slideprocessing apparatus of a basket detecting device as defined above.Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect the present invention provides a basket having asignal means that is detectable by a basket detecting device as definedabove.

Alternatively or additionally, the signal means comprises a contrastmember associated with the basket, which contrast member has either orboth of the properties of (i) a colour that is different from the colourof the rest of the basket, and (ii) substantially linear edgesdelineating the contrast member from the rest of the basket.

Preferably the contrast member comprises the slide retaining member asdefined above.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a set of baskets,wherein at least two of the baskets have different signal means.

The present inventors have noted that known slide transport devices forunloading slides from a basket work by gripping opposite sides of theslide and then pulling the slide out from the end of the basket, i.e.end unloading. This requires two motors—one to bring the gripper to bearon the side of the slide, and another to move the gripper in theunloading direction. This makes the apparatus complex and bulky.

The present invention addresses this drawback and at its most general itproposes that the slide transport device should remove the slide fromthe side of the basket.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide transportdevice for transporting a slide from a basket in a slide processingapparatus, the slide transport device including two slide engagingportions for engaging respective opposite sides of the slide, whereinthe slide transfer device is adapted so that the slide is removed fromthe basket along a slide removal axis, which slide removal axis isperpendicular to the said opposite sides of the slide.

Preferably the slide engaging portions are constrained to move along acommon axis, which common axis is the slide removal axis.

Preferably the separation between the two slide engaging portions isvariable.

Preferably only one of the slide engaging portions is driven by a motor.Preferably the motor is a stepper motor. Suitably the motor controls theseparation between the slide engaging portions and also the displacementof the slide engaging portions along the, slide removal axis.

Preferably the slide engaging portions are connected via a linkage.Preferably the linkage includes biasing means to bias the slide engagingportions towards each other.

Preferably the slide transport device includes a stop member thatcooperates with the linkage to cause (i) both slide engaging portions tomove apart when one of the slide engaging portions is moved away fromthe other slide engaging portion, and (ii) both slide engaging portionsto move together when the said one of the slide engaging portions ismoved towards the said other slide engaging portion.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus including a slide transport device as defined above. Suitablythe slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method oftransporting a slide from a basket in a slide processing apparatus,wherein the method includes holding the slide at respective oppositesides of the slide and removing the slide from the basket along a slideremoval axis that is perpendicular to the said opposite sides of theslide.

Preferably the method includes applying a coverslip to the slide.Suitably the method includes returning the slide to the basket.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use in a slideprocessing apparatus of a slide transport device as defined above.Suitably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

The present inventors have also noted that the width of a glass slidecan vary and as it is desirable to place the coverslip in the middle, itcan be important to know the width of the slide. In conventionalcoverslippers, slide width detection is difficult or impossible.

The present invention addresses this difficulty and at its broadestproposes that the separation of two slide engaging portions of a slidegripper can be measured and the width of the slide calculated based onthat measurement.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide transportdevice for use in a slide processing apparatus, the slide transportdevice including slide width measuring means.

Preferably the slide transport device includes slide engaging portionsfor holding the slide, and a sensor for detecting the separation betweenslide engaging portions when the slide is held between said slideengaging portions. Preferably the slide engaging portions are associatedwith signal means that are detectable by the sensor. Suitably the sensoris an optical sensor.

Preferably the slide transport device is adapted to move a slide from afirst position to a second position wherein the slide transport deviceincludes slide movement measuring means for measuring the distancetravelled by the slide. Preferably the slide movement measuring meanscomprises a stepper motor. Preferably the slide movement measuring meansis adapted to process a signal received from the stepper motor, whichsignal provides information relating to the distance moved by the slide.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide processingapparatus including a slide transport device as defined above.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofmeasuring the width of a slide in a slide processing apparatus, whichslide processing apparatus includes a slide transport device comprisingslide engaging portions for moving the slide, the method includingmeasuring the separation between the slide engaging portions.

Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use in a slideprocessing apparatus of a slide transport device as defined above.Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

The present inventors have also noted the slide thickness can vary andthe glass coverslip needs to be placed accurately on the top face to aidthe coverslip assembly process. Thus, in conventional coverslippers,slides can be damaged as a result of misjudging the location of the topface of the slide.

The present invention addresses this drawback and at its broadest itproposes that the top face of the slide can be calculated by holding theslide in a slide holding device so that the slide is a fixed distancefrom a reference surface whose location can be measured.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a slide holdingdevice comprising at least one slide engaging portion, which slideengaging portion is for engaging the edge of a slide, wherein the slideengaging portion includes a notch for receiving the edge of a slide,wherein a first notch face lies in a plane parallel to the upper surfaceof the slide and a second notch face forms an acute angle with the firstnotch face.

Preferably the said one of the faces of the notch lies in a horizontalplane. Preferably the notch is tapered.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a slide engagingportion as defined above.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofidentifying the position of at least one of the faces of a slide, whichmethod includes holding the slide in a slide holding device as definedabove and identifying the position of the first notch face.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides the use in slideprocessing apparatus of a slide holding device as defined above.Preferably the slide processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

The reliability of pathology laboratory equipment is critical due to theimportant nature of the specimens processed in them. They cannotsometimes be duplicated if destroyed/damaged. It can sometimes be thecase that the instruments can identify a fault has occurred(particularly with sophisticated modern control systems) and it thenneeds to either issue an audible/visible alarm to the user to retrievethe specimens or else it needs to protect the specimens in some wayuntil an operator identifies the problem.

However, the present inventors have noted that known slide processingdevices do not alert a user when something has gone wrong or ifconsumable need replenishing.

The present invention addresses this drawback and at its broadestproposes that a remote communication system is used to alert anoperator. This means that an operator can leave the instrumentunattended but still be alerted in the event of a problem.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a sample processingapparatus including a sample processing system, a monitoring system formonitoring the processing of a sample and/or the status of the sampleprocessing system, and a communications system for alerting a user as tothe status of the processing of the sample and/or the status of thesample processing system, wherein the communications system includes aremote communications device for sending status information to a remotelocation.

Preferably the remote communications device comprises a modem.Preferably the modem is part of a network.

It is possible for instruments to communicate via network systems,wireless or otherwise, to provide data to laboratory management systems,other laboratory instruments or other devices or systems that maybenefit from the information.

Suitably a central control system could advise which instruments needattention for consumable replenishment.

For example the instrument could use a modem to send a text or voicemessage to a mobile phone, pager or similar device kept by the operator

Alternatively or additionally, the remote communications devicecomprises a radio signal transmitter. Preferably the remotecommunications device comprises an SMS transmitter. Preferably theremote communications device comprises a voice message transmitter.

Suitably the status information comprises information relating to theprogress of the processing of one or more samples. Preferably the statusinformation comprises information relating to the location of aparticular sample. For example an operator may wish to know where aparticular patient slide is in the system. The control system couldcommunicate with the laboratory equipment, determine where it is, andeven report when the slide will have completed the full process throughthe laboratory based on the current workload.

Preferably the communications system generates an alarm that istransmitted to a user in the event of a predetermined condition beingdetected by the monitoring system. Suitably the predetermined conditioncomprises insufficient consumables.

Preferably the sample processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In a related aspect, the present invention provides a method ofoperating a slide processing apparatus, which method comprisesmonitoring the processing of the sample and of the status of theapparatus, and sending status information to a remote location.

Preferably the sample processing apparatus comprises a coverslipper.

In current auto-coverslipping machines the glass coverslips are loadedin to machine directly by hand. This has two main problems. Firstly, theoperator is put at risk due to the potential of cutting themselves onthe sharp glass. Secondly, contaminants on the operator's hands can bepassed onto the coverslips which can affect the quality of the finishedsample. Plus moisture from the operators hands can cause the coverslipsto stick together causing jams within the machine.

There is therefore a the health and safety issue associated withhandling of glass, plus also the risk of contaminating the coverslipswith moisture, grease and other contaminates from the operators fingers.

The present invention addresses these drawbacks and at its most generalproposes that a container for holding the coverslips should protect thecoverslips from the environment during storage and transit, but whichalso forms part of the coverslip hopper within the coverslipper. Theuser can therefore load coverslips into the container (hopper) and thentransfer the container to the coverslipper where the coverslips can bedispensed directly from the container. This removes the need for theoperator to handle the coverslips directly when loading the coverslipperwith new coverslips. The proposal of this design is to have a hopper tohold a stack of coverslips to offer protection during storage andtransit but can also be loaded directly into an auto-coverslippingmachine without the need for the operator to handle the glass directly.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a hopper for storinga plurality of coverslips prior to dispensing of said coverslips by acoverslip dispensing device, wherein the hopper includes locating meansfor cooperating with the coverslip dispensing device so as to align thehopper with respect to the coverslip dispensing device.

Preferably the locating means are adapted so that aligning the hopperwith the coverslip dispensing device causes coverslips inside the hopperto be aligned within the hopper.

Preferably the locating means comprise at least one recess for receivingan upstanding member located on the coverslip dispensing device.Suitably the at least one recess is tapered.

In preferred embodiments, preferably the at least one recess comprisesat least one recess for receiving elongate members upstanding from thecoverslip dispensing device.

Preferably the at least one recess is or are formed so that when thehopper is located on the coverslip dispensing device, the upstandingmember of the coverslip dispensing device extends at least partiallyinto the hopper.

Suitably the hopper has front and back walls, and a pair of opposingsidewalls, and the locating means are formed in the sidewalls.

Preferably the hopper is made from a plastics material. Preferably thehopper is made from a one-piece moulding. Suitably the hopper isdisposable.

In an alternative or additional development of the idea of a hopper thatcan be loaded externally to the coverslipper and then located on thecoverslipper for processing, the present invention provides a hopper forstoring a plurality of coverslips prior to dispensing of said coverslipsby a coverslip dispensing device, wherein said hopper includes anopening means that selectively provides an opening through whichcoverslips can be loaded into the hopper.

Preferably the hopper includes front and rear end walls and a pair ofsidewalls, wherein said opening means comprises at least one of thehopper walls that is moveable with respect to the other walls so as toselectively provide an opening through which coverslips can be loadedinto the hopper.

Suitably the at least one hopper wall is hinged with respect to theother walls so as to provide a hinged opening for loading the hopper.

Preferably the hopper includes a latch so that the at least one hopperwall can be selectively held in a closed position.

Preferably the hopper is made from a plastics material. Preferably thehopper is made from a one-piece moulding. Suitably the hopper isdisposable.

In an alternative or additional development of the idea of a hopper thatcan be loaded externally to the coverslipper and then located on thecoverslipper for processing, the present invention provides a hopper forstoring a plurality of coverslips prior to dispensing of said coverslipsby a coverslip dispensing device, wherein said hopper includes internalguide means for locating coverslips within the hopper.

Preferably the hopper includes a plurality of walls defining theinternal volume of the hopper, and the internal guide means define aspace within the hopper that is smaller than the internal volume of thehopper. This allows a coverslip smaller than the hopper to be stored inthe hopper. It also means that the same external dimensions of thehopper can be maintained, whilst the position of the internal guidemeans can be formed so as to accommodate different coverslip sizes.

Preferably the internal guide means are arranged to reduce the effectivelength of the hopper.

Typically the internal guide means comprises one or more ribs.Preferably the ribs extend substantially from the bottom of the hopperto the top of the hopper.

Preferably the hopper is made from a plastics material. Preferably thehopper is made from a one-piece moulding. Suitably the hopper isdisposable.

The present invention also proposes that a coverslipper should beprovided with locating means for cooperating with a correspondingfeature on a hopper so as to align the hopper with respect to thecoverslipper.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a coverslipdispensing device comprising hopper aligning means for cooperating withlocating means on a hopper.

Suitably the hopper is as defined above.

Preferably the hopper aligning means comprise a locating pin, preferablya plurality of locating pins. Suitably two locating pins are providedside by side. Preferably they are arranged so as to cooperate withlocating means on the sidewall of a hopper.

Preferably the locating pins are tapered.

In a further development, the present invention proposes that a carriagemechanism for a coverslipper should be provided with a tapered portionfor moving under a stack of coverslips, and a coverslip receivingportion separated from the tapered portion by a step, such that acoverslip can be received onto the coverslip receiving portion anddispensed from the stack by engaging with the step.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a coverslipdispensing device comprising a dispensing carriage moveable between aretracted position and an extended position, wherein the dispensingcarriage has a tapered portion and a coverslip receiving portion forsupporting a coverslip, the respective portions being separated by astep extending transversely across the carriage.

Preferably the coverslip receiving portion is planar. Suitably itextends across the full width of the carriage.

Preferably the front portion of the carriage is wedge-shaped.

Whilst aspects of the present invention have been defined primarily interms of an apparatus, it is to be understood that the features relatingto the apparatus can also apply to the methods and uses describedherein.

Each of the aspects previously described may be combined with one, morethan one or all of the other aspects and features within each of theaspects may be combined with features from the other aspects. Therefore,in a further aspect, the present invention provides a combination ofone, more than one or all of the previous aspects.

Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of exampleonly, with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a horizontal basket load rail, being an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a slide storage basket with a sliding retaining bar, beingan embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a slide storage basket with two different connectors,being an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further slide storage basket with two differentconnectors, being an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a further slide storage basket with two differentconnectors, being an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a slide gripper of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an image of a slide generated by a slide detector of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 shows an image of a slide storage basket generated by a basketdetector of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a slide transfer device of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a slide gripper of the present invention and a slide;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a coverslip hopper of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows in more detail the lower part of the hopper of FIGS. 14and 15;

FIG. 17 shows a cut-away view of a coverslip hopper located on acoverslipper, being respective embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a further cut-away view of the hopper and coverslipper ofFIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 shows a hinged hopper, being an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 shows a basket storage device 1 that includes a basket storageportion in the form of a horizontal load rail 2. A plurality of slidestorage baskets 4 are located in series on the rail 2. The basketstorage device in this embodiment is located in a coverslipper (notshown).

Each basket is “side loading” as discussed with respect to other aspectsof the invention. In FIG. 1, the side loading aperture of each basket ispartially covered by a slide retaining bar 6. This arrangement isdiscussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 2.

Each basket 4 is attached to the horizontal load rail 2 by a connector(not shown). The connector is discussed in more detail below withrespect to FIGS. 3 to 8.

When the baskets 4 are placed on the load rail 2 by a user (e.g. byhooking or clipping the baskets onto the rail), and the basket storagedevice is activated (e.g. by closing the cover or door of thecoverslipper) the baskets are moved by a basket pusher (not shown) thatis driven by a belt 8 that is in turn powered by a motor 10. The basketsare moved towards the basket pick-up end 12 of the rail. If there ismore than one basket on the rail, this movement will cause the basketsto be pushed together and move as a “train”.

The basket located at the pick-up end 12 can then be removed from therail and processed. For example, a vertical lift mechanism can be usedto remove the basket from the rail and transport it to a processingdevice, for example a coverslipper.

Thus, the baskets are moved along the rail in the same direction as theindividual slides are unloaded from the baskets. Baskets removed fromthe basket pick-up end 12 of the rail are therefore already aligned sothat the “side loading” aperture of the basket is easily accessible.

A user can attach additional baskets to the rail by adding them to theloading end 14 of the rail 2. Indeed, this arrangement allows one ormore baskets to be loaded at the same time.

In other embodiments, the basket storage portion is used to storebaskets that have been processed, i.e. an output basket storage buffer.In such embodiments, the output buffer can be used to safely storeprocessed baskets until they are removed by the operator. This allowsbaskets to be removed in any sequence. Indeed, priority baskets whichhave been processed can be unloaded leaving others on the output rail.

The use of a horizontal load and unload rail can optimise the use ofspace. In preferred embodiments, two basket storage portions areprovided, for example an input rail for baskets waiting for processingand an output rail for processed baskets.

An advantage of storing side loading baskets on a horizontal rail isthat the basket is offered to the basket processing part of acoverslipper so that the slide is presented horizontally. This meansthat there is no need for further reorientation before a coverslip isapplied.

Suitably, the baskets are adapted so loading in the wrong orientation isnot possible. In this embodiment, the connector on the basket may onlypermit the basket to be connected to the rail in one orientation.

The benefits demonstrated by this embodiment include optimised buffercapacity for the available space. A further advantage is that the slidesare presented in the correct orientation for coverslipping.

FIG. 2 shows a slide storage basket 20. The basket can hold a pluralityof slides 22 and the slides can be loaded and unloaded from the side ofthe basket. Thus, the basket includes end support structures 24 thatsupport the respective ends of the slides (i.e. the short sides of therectangular slides). The end support structures 24 include ledgesextending from upright members 25, such that the slides rest on theledges. This minimises the contact between the slide and the basket,which is desirable to reduce the risk of a coverslipped slide “sticking”to the basket. This also helps to achieve easy removal of the slide fromthe basket after it has been coverslipped. Other areas of contactbetween the slide and the basket are suitably kept to a minimum, usingpoint contact only.

The basket includes a fixed retaining member 26 that extends between thebasket's top wall 27 and bottom wall 28. In this embodiment, theretaining member 26 includes a plurality of protrusions or lugs thatprovide further support to the underside of a slide when the slide islocated in the basket.

The side of the basket opposite the fixed retaining member comprises anaperture 29 through which slides can be loaded and unloaded. The basketis therefore a side loading basket. The aperture 29 can be selectivelyobstructed or blocked by a slide retaining bar 30. The slide retainingbar can be moved away from the aperture during loading and unloading,and moved over the aperture during storage or transport of the basket.

The retaining bar 30 is slidably attached to the top and bottom walls ofthe basket. Both the top and bottom walls include a guide rail 32 alongwhich the retaining bar can move.

The retaining bar can be moved between a retracted position (so thatslides can be loaded and unloaded) and an extended position (to holdslides in the basket) by the basket processing device.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the retaining bar is hingedwith respect to the basket.

FIGS. 3 to 8 show three slide storage basket designs. The baskets 50,51, 52 are all of a similar type to those described in relation to FIG.2. In other words, they are side loading baskets with a slidingretaining bar.

In addition, each of the three baskets includes two differentconnectors. One connector (stainer connector) is for attaching thebasket to a stainer and the other connector (coverslipper connector) isfor attaching the basket to a coverslipper. By providing each basketwith two connectors, it is possible for the basket to be used in astainer and in a coverslipper, thereby avoiding the need to move slidesfrom one basket to another.

In the basket 50 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of eye connectors 53 areprovided at respective top and bottom portions on the rear of thebasket. The eye connectors (sometime referred to as the “ears” of thebasket) are compatible with a well known stainer and allow the basket tobe attached to the basket processing mechanism of the stainer.

The basket 50 also has a load rail connector 54 that is compatible withthe load rail of a coverslipper. In fact, in this embodiment, the loadrail connector is adapted so that the basket can be attached to a loadrail of the sort described in relation to FIG. 1.

This load rail connector 54 is common to the baskets 51 and 52 shown inFIGS. 5 to 8.

Basket 51 includes the common load rail connector as well as anadditional clip connector 56. The clip connector 56 is compatible with awell known stainer and allows the basket to be attached to the basketprocessing mechanism of the stainer. As is clear from FIGS. 5 and 6, theclip connector 56 is provided in place of the eye connector 53. Thus,baskets 50 and 51 can be used with different stainers, but the samecoverslipper.

The clip connector 56 comprises two arms extending rearwardly from theback of the basket, the distal ends of the arms comprising inturnedportions to define a partially enclosed area for receiving anappropriate part of the stainer basket processing mechanism.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, basket 52 again includes the common load railconnector 54 so that basket 52 can be used with the same coverslipper asbaskets 50 and 51.

However, basket 52 includes a different stainer connector. Hookconnector 58 is located in the same place as the eye connector of basket50, but connector 58 allows basket 52 to be attached to the basketprocessing mechanism of a different stainer. Hook connector 58 includesa notch for engaging with the stainer mechanism.

In addition to the features discussed above, each of the basketsincludes a spacer member, in the form of fins, which allow the sequenceof basket loaded onto the coverslipper loading rail to be random,because they define the points of contact between adjacent baskets whensupported next to each other on a transport rail. Thus, the spaceoccupied by each basket on the rail is the same.

In an embodiment of one of the aspects of the present invention, acoverslipper is provided with a guard cover that is slidably attached tothe coverslipper. The cover can be moved so that it prevents access tothe slide processing mechanism of the coverslipper. In this way itprotects the user from the hazards associated with the operation of thecoverslipper. The cover can be retracted from the closed position toprovide access to the slide processing mechanism, e.g. so that basketscan be added or removed.

The coverslipper includes a cover sensor that detects when the cover isin a closed position. The coverslipper also includes a slide detectorthat detects whether slides are waiting to be processed in thecoverslipper. When the slide detector detects that slides are waiting tobe coverslipped and the cover sensor detects that the cover is in aclosed position, the coverslipper will start to process the slides.Thus, coverslipping can start as soon as a user closes the cover. This“autostart” arrangement avoids the need for the user to touch anybuttons or switches, thereby reducing the risk of contamination andmaking operation easier for the user.

In another embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, acoverslipper is provided with a cover as described above with respect tothe “autostart” arrangement. In addition to the cover, the coverslipperincludes an interlock that locks the cover in its closed position whenthe slide processing mechanism of the coverslipper is in operation. Theinterlock is only released when the slide processing mechanism hasstopped.

In this preferred embodiment the interlock is activated by a plunger onthe basket load rail of the coverslipper. The basket load rail is of thesame type as the one discussed above in relation to FIG. 1. The plungeris located at one end of the load rail and is depressed by the basketpusher when the basket pusher is in its home or “parked” position.Whilst the slides/baskets are being processed, the basket pusher islocated away from its home position and the plunger is no longerdepressed. This results in a signal being generated, which signal causesthe interlock to engage and prevents the cover from being opened. Oncethe coverslipper has finished processing the slides/baskets, the basketpusher of the basket load rail returns to its home or “parked” position,thereby depressing the plunger. This causes the interlock to disengageso that the cover can be moved to an open position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a slide gripper 70 that is usedfor holding a slide as it is moved into and out of a basket. The gripperincludes a notch 72 that engages the edge of the slide. The shape of thenotch is relevant to the way in which the location of the slide isdetected and is discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 10 show an image generated by a camera in a coverslipper. Thecamera is associated with a vertical lift system that transfers basketsfrom a load rail such as the one described herein.

The image is produced in greyscale, but colour images are also possible.The image shows the basket 80 and a plurality of slides 82 located inthe basket. The distance between one of the slides 84 (e.g. the one tobe processed next) and the slide gripper 86 is calculated by identifyingthe top edges of the slide and the gripper.

Indeed, a slide's position can be identified by using an edge detectionalgorithm and the information gained from the image can then be used toposition the slide accurately between the gripper.

Firstly, using an image from the camera, the Gripper “y2” position iscalculated. Once “y1” is found using an edge detection algorithm, “y2”is calculated knowing the defined thickness of the gripper “t1”. The“y2” value of the gripper is used as the reference value for positioningall the slides that follow.

Once the top of the slide 84 is detected and knowing the position of thegripper “y2”, the distance from the gripper to the slide “y” can becalculated. This gives a distance in Pixels which is then converted toan actual physical distance.

There can be any number of slides in a basket, from 1 to the maximumnumber the basket will hold. There is also the possibility that theslides are loaded non-uniformly, i.e. a gap between slides, multiplegaps or even skewed slides.

Detecting the top of the slide at multiple positions will give the slopeof the slide. This value of slope can be used to detect skewed slidesand therefore skip the slide to avoid damage. It is also possible todetect whether or not there is a slide in the next slots of the basketby analyzing the colour gradient below the current slide. Thisinformation can speed up the processing of the basket by moving pastblank slots.

In addition the camera can be used to detect broken slides,missing/broken coverslips, skewed slides.

FIG. 11 shows another image obtained by a camera in a coverslipper. Theimage shows a slide gripper 90 and part of the slide retaining bar 92 ofa basket. The edges and/or colour of the bar 92 are detected using knownimage processing technology and the operation of the coverslipper isadjusted in accordance with the type of basket detected. The user canpre-configure the coverslipper to operate in accordance with aparticular protocol in response to detecting a particular basket type(e.g. particular bar colour).

For example, where two processing protocols may be needed, the presentinvention provides a method of identifying which protocol should be usedfor the basket that is to be processed next. In this embodiment, the twotypes of baskets are identified by having different coloured slidingretaining bars. In this embodiment, one is white and one is black.

By using a camera to detect basket features it reduces the requirementfor user input, therefore making the process of coverslipping muchquicker and simpler. By positioning the basket in a defined position thecamera images can reveal the basket type. Thus, FIG. 11 shows an imageof a basket wherein the part of the retaining bar identified in theimage is “white”. The slider colour is calculated by averaging a numberof points within the highlighted box. 0=black, 255=white and numbers inbetween represent the grey scale values.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a colour sensor is used for asingle point detection. In a further alternative embodiment (not shown)the baskets are provided with different coloured flags, for example Redor Green flags. The colour of the flags (or other coloured device)source is captured in the image and detected by appropriate imageprocessing technology.

FIG. 12 shows a slide transfer device comprising a slide grippermechanism 100. The slide transfer mechanism is adapted to hold a slide102 located in a basket 104 and to move the slide out of the basket.

The slide transfer mechanism includes two slide grippers 106, 108 thatare mounted independently on linear rails so that they can both move inline, but the spacing between them can vary.

One of the slide grippers 106 is directly driven by a motor through aleadscrew (not shown). The other slide gripper 108 is connected to thedirectly driven gripper 106 via a linkage 110. The linkage comprisesthree pivoted connections 111 and two linker arms 112. The linker armsare tensioned together with a spring 113 so that the two grippers arepulled together.

The grippers are kept in the open position by fully retracting thedirect driven gripper jaw. A fixed stop pin 114 causes the sprunggripper 108 to be pulled open by the linkage. The two grippers 106, 108therefore move along a common axis 116. This is shown in the top drawingof FIG. 12.

When a slide is correctly positioned between the jaws the direct drivengripper 106 is advanced in the direction shown by arrow 118. The sprunggripper 108 will then close onto the glass slide, followed by the directdriven gripper 106. This is shown in the middle drawing of FIG. 12.

As the direct driven gripper 106 is further advanced as indicated byarrow 120, it pushes the slide out of the basket. The slide ispositively held between the grippers 106, 108. This is shown in thebottom drawing of FIG. 12.

To replace the slide, the drive is reversed (i.e. the two grippers movein a direction opposite to arrows 118 and 120) and the slide is placedback into the basket. The sprung gripper 108 is disengaged from theslide after the direct driven gripper 106 has moved away from the slide,thereby ensuring that the slide is positively placed back in the basket.

The positions of the two grippers is detected by sensors (not shown). Byusing the gripper position information in conjunction with knowing theposition of the motor it is possible to obtain an accurate measure ofthe width of the glass slide. In this preferred embodiment, ‘flags’ onthe two grippers 106, 108 pass through optical sensors during use suchthat the gripper positions are detected. The motor associated with thedirect driven gripper is a stepper motor. Feedback relating to thestepper motor position can be provided via an encoder.

FIG. 13 shows the slide engaging potion of a preferred gripper 130.

The gripper has a notch 132 to enable it to grip and hold a slide 134.This notch tapers to ensure that the glass is reliably picked up andheld by the gripper over a range of slide thickness variations andheight tolerances within the mechanism.

The upper face 136 of the notch is horizontal while the lower face 138is angled, at 45 degrees to the upper face. When the gripper engages theslide the upper and lower faces cause the slide to be lifted up againstthe upper face.

With this arrangement, the upper face is then always controlled to aknown reference or datum position irrespective of the slide thickness.The datum position is also maintained for some types of slides which canhave bevelled edges.

In addition the gripper system can be used in any system that requireshandling of glass slides. In particular this includes slide imagingsystems.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show a disposable hopper 150 according to one of theaspects of the present invention.

The design of the hopper 150 is such that it fully encapsulates a stackof coverslips 152 to provide the necessary protection to the coverslips.Only the bottom 154 of the hopper is open so that the bottommostcoverslip is accessible. The hopper has sidewalls 156 and endwalls 157.Extending along the bottom edges of the sidewalls 156 of the hopper areledges 158 which the stack of coverslips'rest on to prevent them fromfalling out.

The front face of the hopper includes a cut away portion 160 at thebottom to allow for the bottommost coverslip to be slid out from thebottom of the stack and the rear face of the hopper has a slide stop(not shown) to prevent the bottommost coverslip being dispensed at therear of the hopper.

As shown in FIG. 17, the hopper 150 (one half of which has been removedfor clarity) is loaded into a ‘docking station’, being part of thecoverslip dispensing mechanism 162 of the coverslipper.

The hopper 150 includes four recesses 164 formed in the sidewalls 156.Two recesses are formed in each sidewall. Each of these recesses isshaped to receive a corresponding locating pin 166 positioned on thecoverslip dispensing mechanism.

The locating pins 166 have a further function and that is to tighten upthe tolerance between the coverslips and the hopper. This in turn helpsto provide a tighter tolerance between the coverslips and the coverslipdispensing device required for accurate and reliable coverslipdispensing. This is achieved by forming the recesses 164 so that whenthe locating pins 166 are inserted into the recesses, they intrude intothe internal space of the hopper. The locating pins therefore pushagainst the sides of the coverslips and guide them into the desiredalignment.

The recesses 164 and locating pins 166 ensure that the hopper iscorrectly positioned on the coverslip dispensing mechanism and in thecorrect orientation.

Once the hopper 150 has been loaded onto the coverslip dispensingmechanism, the coverslip stack 152 within the hopper is lifted off theledges on the hopper onto a dispensing carriage 168. The dispensingcarriage has a tapered or wedge-shaped rear portion 170. The carriagemoves from the front of the hopper to the back of the hopper. Theincreasing thickness of the tapered rear portion causes the coverslipsto lift away from the ledges 158 on the bottom of the hopper. Thecarriage 168 includes a machined step that that separates the taperedrear portion and a planar front portion 172. When the tapered portionhas moved past the coverslips, the coverslips are supported on theplanar front portion 172. This is shown in FIG. 18.

From this position, the carriage 168 then moves in a forward directionas indicated by arrow 174, i.e. so that the tapered rear portion ismoved towards the front of the hopper 150. This forward movement causesthe bottommost coverslip to be engaged by the machined step on thecarriage. The bottommost coverslip is therefore retained on the planarfront portion 172 as the carriage moves towards the front of the hopper.This action therefore dispenses a coverslip. As the carriage 168 passesfrom underneath the hopper the weight of the stack of coverslips 152 isonce more taken up by the ledges 158 in the hopper.

As the carriage 168 retracts back under the coverslip stack (i.e. movestowards the rear of the hopper), the stack is lifted back onto thecarriage by means of the tapered profile of the carriage. The carriageretracts far enough back to allow the machined step to pick up the nextcoverslip.

Once the hopper 150 is empty or there is problem, the hopper can beremoved and a new one loaded in its place.

FIG. 19 shows the disposable hopper 150 in an open configuration. Thehopper 150 includes a hinge 176 that allows the hopper to open with a“clam shell” action. This provides convenient access to the interior ofthe hopper and makes loading of the hopper easier. The hinge is formedin one of the endwalls 157 to provide a large opening through whichcoverslips can be loaded.

The hopper 150 includes a latch 178 comprises cooperating resilientmembers located on respective halves of the hinged hopper. This allowsthe hopper to be closed securely after loading with coverslips. In someembodiments, the design of the latch mechanism is adapted so that thehopper can be re-used, whereas in other embodiments, the latch can beadapted so that it can only be used once, after which it is thrown away.

As shown in FIG. 19, internal ribs 180 are molded into the inner wallsof the hopper to allow for different length coverslips to be loadedwhilst keeping the outside of the hopper unchanged.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the hopper also includes external rib 182.This provides a convenient aid to handling the hopper and also impartsstructural integrity to the hopper.

The hopper is manufactured from a plastics material as a one piecemolding, including the hinge, latch and ribs.

These preferred embodiments have been described by way of example and itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alterations canbe made that are still within the scope of the invention.

1-102. (canceled)
 103. A slide detector for detecting at least oneproperty of a slide, the slide detector comprising an image generatingmeans for generating an image of the slide, and image processing meansfor identifying the at least one property of the slide based on thegenerated image.
 104. A slide detector according to claim 103, whereinthe slide detector is for use in a slide processing apparatus comprisinga coverslipper.
 105. A slide detector according to claim 103, whereinthe at least one property of the slide comprises the position of theslide with respect to a slide processing mechanism.
 106. A slidedetector according to claim 105, wherein the image processing means isconfigured to identify at least one edge of the slide.
 107. A slidedetector according to claim 106, wherein the image processing means isconfigured to make a plurality of measurements from the generated imageso as to identify the edge.
 108. A slide detector according to claim106, wherein the slide processing mechanism includes a slide gripper andthe slide detector detects the position of the slide with respect to theslide gripper.
 109. A slide detector according to claim 108, wherein theimage generating means is configured to generate an image of the slidegripper.
 110. A slide detector according to claim 109, wherein the imageprocessing means is configured to identify at least one edge of theslide gripper.
 111. A slide detector according to claim 103, wherein theimage generating means comprises at least one of a camera, a linearsensor array, and a charge coupled device.
 112. A slide detectoraccording to claim 103, wherein the image generating means can detectone or both of light intensity and colour.
 113. A slide detectoraccording to claim 103, wherein the image processing means includes aprocessor.
 114. A slide detector according to claim 113, wherein theimage processing means includes software.
 115. A slide detectoraccording to claim 103, wherein the image processing means is configuredto identify the alignment of a slide with respect to a basket in whichthe slide is located.
 116. A slide detector according to claim 115,wherein the image processing means is adapted to identify whether theslide has a predetermined alignment.
 117. A slide detector according toclaim 103, wherein the slide detector is configured to identify whethera slide is present in a slot of a basket in which the slide is located.118. A slide detector according to claim 117, wherein the imagegenerating means is configured to generate an image of at least one slotof a basket and the image processing means is configured to measure thecolour or intensity gradient of the part of the image corresponding tothe slot.
 119. A slide detector according to claim 103, wherein theimage processing means is configured to identify the thickness of aslide.
 120. A slide detector according to claim 103, wherein the slidedetector is configured to generate a plurality of images of the slide sothat the at least one property of the slide can be detected as afunction of time.
 121. A slide detector according to claim 103, whereinthe slide detector is associated with a slide processing apparatuscomprising a slide processing mechanism, and the slide processingmechanism is moveable with respect to the slide in response to thedetected at least one property of the slide.
 122. A slide detectoraccording to claim 121, wherein the at least one property of the slideincludes the position of the slide with respect to the slide processingmechanism.
 123. A slide processing apparatus including a slide detectoraccording to claim
 103. 124. A slide processing apparatus according toclaim 123, comprising a coverslipper.
 125. A method of detecting atleast one property of a slide, the method including generating an imageof the slide and processing the image to detect the at least oneproperty.
 126. A method according to claim 125, wherein the at least oneproperty is the position of the slide with respect to a slide processingmechanism.
 127. A method according to claim 126, wherein the methodincludes the step of moving the slide with respect to the slideprocessing mechanism in response to the detected slide position.
 128. Amethod according to claim 127, wherein the detection of the slideposition is repeated during movement of the slide.
 129. A basketdetecting device for detecting at least one property of a basket forstoring slides in a slide processing apparatus, the basket detectingdevice comprising an image generating means for generating an image ofat least part of the basket, and image processing means for identifyingthe at least one property of the basket based on the generated image.130. A basket detecting device according to claim 129, wherein the imageprocessing means is configured to identify a structural feature of thebasket.
 131. A basket detecting device according to claim 130, whereinthe basket is capable of storing a plurality of slides and has anaperture through which slides can be loaded and unloaded, wherein thebasket includes a slide retaining member for selectively covering atleast part of the aperture, and wherein the structural feature of thebasket that the image processing means is configured to identify is theslide retaining member.
 132. A basket detecting device according toclaim 130, wherein the image processing means is configured to identifyat least one of the colour of the structural feature, the shape of thestructural feature and the size of the structural feature.
 133. A basketdetecting device according to claim 129, wherein the basket detectingdevice includes a basket property look-up means for retrievingpredetermined basket property information in response to the detected atleast one property.
 134. A basket detecting device according to claim129, wherein the image generating means comprises at least one of acamera, a linear sensor array and a charge coupled device.
 135. A methodof detecting at least one property of a basket for storing slides in aslide processing apparatus, the method including generating an image ofat least part of the basket and processing the image to identify the atleast one property of the basket based on the generated image.
 136. Amethod according to claim 135, wherein the at least one propertyincludes the type of basket.
 137. A method according to claim 135,wherein the method includes processing the basket based on the detectedat least one property.